Trigger-happy soldier, reservist land in hot water

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - An Air Force officer and a military reservist are now under investigation for firing their guns during the New Year's eve revelry, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman said Friday.

The suspects were identified as Air Force Staff Sgt. Ricky Castro and Juan Agos, a resident of Caloocan with a reserve rank of sergeant.

Castro, who is assigned at the 600th Airbase Wing in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, is now under custody of the Air Force, according to AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos.

He added that Agos will be investigated as part of the due process and may be delisted from the reserve force if it is found that he gave his gun to his friends who fired it.

"If any criminal liability is found, civilian authorities and the court will have jurisdiction over him," Burgos said in a statement.

"The AFP stands firm on the adherence to law and safety of people. The action of one soldier does not diminish the professionalism of the 120,000 others who have done their part in serving the people," he added. "The AFP leadership takes this matter seriously and assures our people that the maximum administrative penalty will be meted to any erring individual soldier."